Elena Rybakina Shocks Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Maiden US Open Title and Reclaim World No. 1 Spot

Photo Credit: danielcooper850 / Wikimedia Commons

 NEW YORK: In a high-octane tennis masterclass, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina shattered Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance at Flushing Meadows to capture her first-ever US Open singles crown. The second seed dished out a clinical performance at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, halting Sabalenka’s bid for a historic third consecutive title.

Rybakina emerged victorious in a grueling three-set thriller, sealing the final 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. With this grand win, Rybakina is set to officially dethrone Sabalenka from the pinnacle of women’s tennis, rising back to the World No. 1 ranking in Monday’s updated WTA list. Sabalenka had held the top spot for a staggering 99 consecutive weeks.

Breaking the Hat-Trick Dream

The battle marked the first time since 2013 that the US Open women’s final featured the top two seeded players in the world. Sabalenka, who looked to become the first player since Serena Williams to win three straight US Open titles, was ultimately undone by her own unforced errors in the final set.

After trading the first two sets, Rybakina quickly seized the momentum in the decider by breaking Sabalenka early to lead 2-1. Despite a brief scare where she double-faulted on her first match point, Rybakina bounced back instantly, firing a thunderous championship ace to close out the match.

This victory marks Rybakina’s third major Grand Slam trophy, adding to her 2022 Wimbledon victory and her 2026 Australian Open title won earlier this year.